Tuesday, May 6, 2014

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA engineers achieved a major milestone May 1 as they prepare to test RS-25 rocket engines that will help power the new Space Launch System (SLS) on missions to deep space destinations. A-1 Test Stand operators completed a cold-shock test of the new structural piping system needed for the RS-25 engine, setting the stage for engine installation in the coming weeks and hotfire testing this summer. Four RS-25 engines will power the core stage of the SLS, which is being built to carry humans to destinations including an asteroid and eventually Mars. Renovation of the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis has been under way since last fall with installation of new equipment and components needed to accommodate RS-25 engines, including the cryogenic piping system tested May 1. (Source: NASA/SSC, 05/06/14)